A 60-year-old Newark-based pilot, with 32 years of service to Continental Airlines under his belt, died mid-flight yesterday of apparent natural causes while operating Flight 61 from Brussels to Newark. Without disclosing details of the situation to passengers, the flight staff was able to discreetly request several physicians on board to approach the cockpit – however, attempts to revive the pilot with a defibrillator were unsuccessful. The two co-pilots took control of the plane and happily ensured a safe landing for all 247 passengers – most of which were blissfully unaware of the pilot's death when touching down in Newark.

We think the Continental staff handled this situation with the utmost professionalism, ensuring that the additional chaos of panicking passengers didn’t ensue. Would you want to know if the pilot passed away on your flight?